Weekly Prompt #24: What triggers your feelings of low self-esteem?
Hello all!
Last week we discussed- Imagine encountering someone who is visibly upset or distressed. How can you offer support and comfort to them in a meaningful way? If you haven't checked yet, please click here to add your thoughts.
This week's prompt is: What triggers your feelings of low self-esteem? Is it specific situations, certain people, or your own internal voice?
Today I want us to reflect upon our self-esteem and what affects it. Understanding the triggers can help you develop strategies to overcome them. Please share and discuss here among us.
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What triggers your feelings of low self-esteem? Is it specific situations, certain people, or your own internal voice?
Hmm...whenever I feel I cannot provide for my family (son & significant other). Whenever I'm in-between jobs or unemployed, I feel pretty bad. I'm used to taking care of people and when I'm unable to, I feel useless. I have the bad habit of tying my self-worth with my occupation...It bites.
I don't see people as their job/occupation. I see them as more than that, yet I can't see myself more than my job for some reason.
I've dated those who were unemployed and nearly homeless(whom I helped and didn't mind), but for me personally, I feel like a failure when I'm at that point...
I was homeless but working for a while and rented out AirBnBs and hotels, but still felt bad.
Now it's reverse to where I have a roof over my head along with support, but (temporarily) unemployed after it got pretty bad at my toxic (temp) job...
Though, I try not to let this bog me down! I have a job lined up, just not right away.... I have to get my license in that specific field first.
I also have some gigs and other jobs I can do on the side while I take the classes to obtain that license...
I'm also going to physical therapy to help with some chronic pain, I hope it heals but...I really do need to get my body and brain scanned due to the past trauma...
Anyhow, I'm rambling a lot but..
TLDR; My self worth has been tied to my ability to provide for my love ones...If I can't provide, I feel useless.
@ImpudentIncognito It is understandable that feeling unable to provide for your loved ones can trigger difficult emotions. Tying our self-worth to what we do is common, yet our humanity is far deeper than any role. What matters most is how we treat others. Your caring for those in need, even when facing hard times yourself - that speaks to your character.
@ASilentObserver This week's prompt is: What triggers your feelings of low self-esteem? Is it specific situations, certain people, or your own internal voice?
It's certain situations and people. Right now there's renovations going on next door and above me. I'm a writer, editor and artisan and need quiet to focus, do self study, meditation, etc..
So when I hear banging and slamming going on and on and on until I can't focus or enjoy what I'm doing anymore, and was attacked or ignored for speaking up about it, my self esteem drops because my need for safety and enjoyment isn't being met.
My internal voice is more my advocate than the cause of low self esteem. If my environment is safe, my internal voice is usually fine. When my environment is chronically noisy and unsupportive and toxic, then it becomes beaten down into nothing.
I need to stay connected with myself because there's no one else I can rely on. But lately that's been really hard or impossible and that gives me feelings of low self esteem.
Making a custom advent calendar, doing exercises like writing down what I can and can't control and journaling has been helping me a bit. This whole life thing is freaking intense.
@communicativePond1728 It sounds like certain situations that are out of your control, like the noise from renovations, can lower your sense of self-worth. Your need for peace and focus in your work is very understandable. Your inner voice seems to be supportive of you though, reminding you of what you can and cannot control. Making your advent calendar and journaling are helpful ways of connecting with yourself during this challenging time. What aspects of focusing on self care help you feel most grounded?
@ASilentObserver That's a good question. I'm not sure. I used to do things like skincare, go to the gym and take my time but these days it's more like 'run madly amok and hope it works out even though it's only sometimes mkay with many failed attempts at journaling, limiting my sugar intake and creating my second act where I start a chain of bookstore-cafes and publish more writing that helps others' type situation.
@ASilentObserver 💓💝
@ambitiousAcres8341 Hi acres, how are you doing?
What triggers me is when I feel like someone isn’t listening when I speak. It makes me feel less important and that my words don’t really matter.
@niceAvocado1063 It is understandable that feeling unheard would make you feel less important and that your words do not matter. What is it like for you in the moments when you realize someone is not truly listening?
